Rent vs Buy Calculator
Quick answer: Enter home price, rent, and assumptions to see whether buying or renting costs less over time.
Compare the true total cost of renting versus buying over a custom time horizon. This calculator factors in mortgage payments, property tax, maintenance, home price appreciation, equity accumulation, rent increases, and opportunity cost to give you the real financial answer for your situation.
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Last reviewed: April 2026Report an error
20% = $70,000
Verdict
Buy
Over 10 years: buying net cost $154,946 vs renting total $275,133. Buying saves ~$120,188.
Monthly Mortgage
$1,863
Monthly Ownership Cost
$2,625
Home Equity (10 yr)
$230,096
Home Value (10 yr)
$470,371
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How to Use This Rent vs Buy Calculator
- 1Enter the home price and down payment percentage.
- 2Enter mortgage rate and loan term.
- 3Enter current monthly rent and expected annual rent increase.
- 4Enter your expected years in the home.
- 5Read total cost to buy vs. total cost to rent, equity gained, and recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Not necessarily. Renting + investing the down payment and monthly savings can outperform buying in high-price markets with low appreciation. It depends on local market conditions and your investment returns.
- Divide the home price by 20, then divide by 12. If monthly rent is less than that number, renting is likely the better financial choice.
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